Ecuador Issues Update on Earthquake Recovery

The Ecuador Ministry of Tourism has issued a series of travel updates regarding the country's recovery from a 7.8 earthquake that struck near the coastal town of Pedernales in the state of Manabi the evening of Saturday, April 16. The coastal provinces of Manabi and Esermaldas, closest to the epicenter, were most affected by the quake.

Quito Mayor Mauricio Rodas said in a written release that the city is safe and received only minor damage to some buildings in the city's south end. Old Quito is untouched, and museums, hotels, restaurants and the airport are all open. Flights are operating normally. Tourism information booths at the airport and at major attractions are likewise running normally.

The Public and Municipal Company of Tourism of Guayaquil, meanwhile, has also reported that the earthquake had no apparent impact on Guayaquil's infrastructure, including airports, hotels and most tourist spots.

The city of Guayaquil has become an aid center for the reception and distribution of necessary supplies for the hundreds of families in the area affected by the earthquake, tourism officials said.